Excellent sushi, excellent soft shell crab appetizer, teriyaki salmon, edamame. Yoko always follows up after orders complete, all OK. Sushi Chef, owner, Shin, always there for customers--questions, friendly conversation. Have been a customer 28 years. A couple of months ago, I accidentally knocked over my water glass, spilled water on table and floor. Shin immediately came over and wiped up my mess. read more

Awful customer service. Hostess hung up on us twice as we were asking questions trying to make reservations. It doesn't matter how good your food is, you cannot treat people like that. Shame on you. You are pretty off spending your money at another establishment who can communicate with customers in welcoming manner. read more

Friends, tomodachi, countrymen--gather round and let me tell you a story. It's a story about a man named Nozawa who created a very special sort of experience back in La La Land (in the valley), where Japanese ometenashi (hospitality spirit and etiquette) was turned on its head, and rudeness, contempt, total disregard for the customer in every area other than food (and even then...) was to become his brand identity. And it worked. People flocked from all over California to be abused. They liked it. They still do. The so-called Sushi Nazi was born. And our friends here at Akaoni continue this tradition of having foolish, no-nothing gaijin dine in front of them, and aim their heads up the ass of terrible attitudes, disinterested service and an utter collapse of Japanese culinary and cultural traditions. Takakura-Ken is spinning in his grave. So is Uesugi Kenshin. Years ago, this would have almost amused me. No longer. I am disgusted and furious with this sort of behavior. I've lived in a Japanese area for years and spent much time traveling throughout Japan on business and personal matters. And while there are some fools even in the Land of the Gods who will occasional behave this way--it is rare-- and they could never maintain a livelihood unless they have a pandering momo like David Gelb to make a documentary about them (Jiro...). This is NOT Japanese style. This is NOT Japanese culture. This is just a miserable man and his wife, or at least two actors playing miserable people, who aim to metaphysically spit in the face of Americans who are too dumb or too mentally infantile to understand that they are being abused. Perhaps this is something germane to California itself, where you the citizen are responsible to the State and not the other way around. Was the food good? Kind of. Yes. Some of it was delicious. But to eat in the equivalent of a totalitarian's library, where breathing, talking or even thinking too loud might set him off twitching and then tossing you out--is utterly ludicrous and makes for a terrible experience. Never eat here. And if you do, and you enjoy it, it's either because you are so desperate for abuse that you need professional help or your entire philosophy of life is morally inverted. Lastly, the ONLY reason that I didn't get up and walk out is because I was with guests. But I will never forget this man and his 'lovely' wife. And if I have the ability to, I will be back. With a large party of happy, loud and drunk people. And look forward to seeing our Taisho spin his head around a la Rosemary's Baby, and spit wasabi-flavored pea soup over all of us, in front of my lying eyes. read more

Excellent fresh fish served in a traditional setting. Dour, unsmiling sushi chef who maintains his composure-unsmiling, unemotional-"judge me by my presentation and the quality of what I serve you, NOT my personality". Small venue, reservations required, excellent service. This was the best sushi experience we have had in the Monterey Bay Area in 20 plus years. read more

Because of the other reviews, I was a little apprehensive going here. I was hoping it would be one of those situations where people were overreacting or were the cause of the employees' behavior. Unfortunately, my experience was similar to others. I walked in at 5:35pm, just after they opened for dinner. The waitress just looks at me as if I crashed a party and ate all the food. As politely as I can, I ask if there is space for two. She looks around at the empty seats and says we can sit at the table with the reserved sign if we can finish within an hour. I ask if we can sit at the sushi bar and she says that it's sushi only. This is not a bad thing for me. I nod ok and she says we can sit at the end/corner of the bar. For at least half an hour, it's just the two of us and two women at the window table facing the main street. Later, another couple show up and they are also told they can only sit for an hour at the table. We try ordering the omakase, but are told it's only for people with reservations. I normally make reservations, but I was scared she would hang up on me like a few other reviewers said. I still wanted to try the sushi here. We ended up getting the 14 piece nigiri and the fresh tofu. We didn't order anything else as we were made to feel like we were misbehaving students in detention. It was the most uncomfortable dining experience I have had. I have eaten at many a sushi restaurant in the States and overseas, so I am aware of the general sushi etiquette. I didn't go in there loudly or disrespectfully. The sushi itself was very fresh and clean. I wish Chef Yamada would have gone over the fish a little slower as I don't understand why there were two pieces of chutoro. He is overall very good at what he does, even if he was heavy handed with the wasabi on almost half of my nigiri (he was better with the set he made for my boyfriend - must be something wrong with my face). The price for the sushi is very affordable for the freshness. I am not sure why so many people complain about it being expensive. I actually would have expected it to be more expensive considering it's in Carmel. Honestly, I feel bad giving a 2.5 star review as it is the best meal I have had in Carmel. The atmosphere was just so uncomfortable though, and I think Chef Yamada and his wife really could care less about their reviews, or if they are non-"local." It's worth going to for the sushi, but brace yourself for the possibility of a cold front from the husband and wife team. For more - https://gastromonkey.blogspot.com/2017/05/carmel-by-sea-ca-akaoni.html read more

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Having traveled extensively in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more remote parts of my beloved Japan I am happy to report this is the best and most authentic Japanese restaurant this side of Tokyo. Don't miss the homemade Tofu and fresh flown in from Japan specials. Gene H read more

5 stars. The dinner we enjoyed at Akaoni rivaled our lunch at the tsukiji fish market market in Tokyo. Everything was fresh and melt in your mouth delicious. If you take a look at the pictures I posted you can see we ordered.. homemade tofu, oysters, chirashi bowl, spicy tuna roll & salmon roe. We saw a 15 piece sushi plate be prepared and it was jaw dropping. Please come visit Akaoni when in town. To the other reviewers complaining of bad service.. y'all are exaggerating. Be respectful. read more

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This place has the best quality fish I have ever eaten. Melts in your mouth fresh. You pay for what you get . Prices are above average but not ridiculous. It's well worth it. Will be back. read more

Best Japanese restaurant in California. Freshest fish, no fuss, just truly great sushi and wonderful dishes like homemade tofu, and perhaps the best tempura in California too. read more

Looks amazing but how do you even get a reservation? I've tried calling several times with no success. I would love to try this place based on all the fabulous reviews but there doesn't seem to be a way to contact the restaurant. I walked in with my husband earlier not realizing how small the seating availability is so totally understand being turned away with out a reservation but the lady didn't offer any information so I thought I'd call but that seems to be a mistake since no one picks up and there is no answering machine. After a few rings, the phone automatically hangs up. Would love to hear how the heck all these rave reviews got a reservation. read more

Never before have I been served such quality sushi, tempura, really everything. The owners work so hard and it is reflected in the service and exceptional food. Lucky to live in the area. Very friendly to locals. Not tolerant of rude tourists. I'm happy for that. read more

Coming from Hong Kong I was not expecting too much but I'm so happy I was wrong! The food is super foodie grade and I wake up often thinking would it be crazy to go there myself all the time :) read more

This was my first time at a "true sushi place" as my friend would say. But WOWWWWW! The sushi was extremely fresh, their twist on some of the appetizers (mixed shrimp & veggies tempura) are intriguingly delicious. This is a small place, but I believe that is why the food is so good and the knife work was perfect! The green tea was best I've ever had. It's a green tea with a mixture of brown rice. Prices are worth it and some items you get way more than you'd thought. I'd recommend anyone visiting the Carmel area to check this place out! read more

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My wife and I were the guest of our daughter and SIL. SIL set up a chefs tasting (only two per night.) and it was stellar! I never saw a menu. My SIL had raved about this place and now it is all clear. I can't recall all of the dished but it was about 12. Some one bite, some a bit more. All outstanding. I need to follow up with my SIL to get directions on setting this up in the future. This has ruined every other sushi restaurant I have ever visited. We found the chef and servers friendly and soft spoken. The entire evening was a delight. read more

We had a wonderful Omakase dinner tonight. The fish quality was outstanding and the preparation beautiful. We learned about the origins of the fish and some interesting facts about Japanese culture. Even the tofu and soy sauce was homemade and tasted great. We'll be back another time visiting Carmel. read more

This is the kind of sushi I want. Not the saucy, extravagant rolls most Japanese restaurants are offering. I learned to love sushi in a more simplistic form. Nigiri sushi is my jam. And if a roll has crab let it be genuine crab not imitation. In the attached photo, the roll is fresh Dungeness crab (common to the area) & avocado, and the nigiri are Salmon on the left, Yellowtail center, and Octopus right. I'm not kidding when I tell you the salmon and the yellowtail melted in my mouth like butter, and the octopus was SO fresh and tender and sweet..... hands down, Akaoni served the very best sushi I've ever had. The staff were courteous and helpful. Reservations recommended! read more

Akaoni - On the top is a Fresh Dungeness crab & avocado roll, and the nigiri are Salmon on the left, Yellowtail center, and Octopus right. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

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Akaoni is phenomenal! I never leave reviews but after seeing the owners deal with a particularly difficult heavily entitled customer I felt the need to write about this place. The food was amazing. We ordered their homemade tofu, jyo sashimi, black cod and salmon skin rolls. Easily the best Japanese cuisine I've had in the Carmel area. The minimal seating makes for a relaxing intimate dining atmosphere. Unless you plan on coming as soon as they open I'd recommend a reservation since the restaurant fills up fast. We'll definitely return whenever we're back in the area! read more

Akaoni 赤鬼 loosely refers to "red demon" in Japanese (although if you are talking semantics, 鬼 is mostly "ghost" depending on whether you are approaching it from the Chinese side). There are no ghosts in here, but for first timers, if you do not know the rules and MO in here, you may feel like you are dealing with the equivalent of Darth Maul in attitude (I'm assuming most of you watched Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace). But instead of being scared by a Sith Lord welding a hocho/sushi knife, you may get brutally annoyed or disgusted if things do not go your way, or you might just end up joining and enjoying the Dark Side of Nigiri should you use the Sith Lord's knowledge of power to save your hopeless inner soul (tainted with big ass stupid name sushi rolls). Embrace your fear and fantasy of the Dark Side of Nigiri! First of all, what day of the week is it? If a public holiday weekend where you know visitors are flooding Monterey Peninsula to no end, or even if you want to play it safe, pick up the phone and make a reservation. Want to partake in omakase? Keep your party size small, and request it in advance when you reserve the seats at the bar. Do not even think about ordering omakase until the chef gets to know you, this is not some LA SoCal hipster sushi joint where omakase means fancy appetizer start and ends with a bluecrab salad handroll despite a "No CA roll, No Spicy Tuna, Tru$t Me I Love Your Wallet" kind of place. (btw why no spicy tuna roll, but a bluecrab salad handroll is fine, which is essentially a CA roll minus cucumber and avocado but adds mayo?!) Even if you do not preorder omakase, you can come in and still have a good time. Extended FOBenese tips you will not see anywhere else: - study the white board specials of the day. You will see a variety of cooked dishes/appetizers, sashimi, and special fish from Japan. - If you order nigiri upon arrival and even if the place is 1/3 to 1/2 full, expect it to take quite a bit of time. You will be notified that it may take xx minutes by waitstaff, even something ridiculous like 45 mins, more if the restaurant is busier. Waitstaff may seem "rude" but could be operating under pressure or pre-empting a-hole customers, which could backfire. Chef owner Shinichi Yamada is classically trained and has that typical shokunin 職人 attitude whose approach is not for everyone, and he paces himself, and makes all the sushi. If this scares your impatient a$$ away, then feel free to go to the likes of Sushi Heaven or Hanagasa (where there is a Sith Lord and the food sucks, versus a Sith Lord here who serves excellent nigiri). Budget extra time to dine here, and enjoy it. - Want something similar to "nigiri omakase"? Get the menu nigiri 14 piece combo, it runs $38 and up and is a fantastic value. Chef's choice that includes a wide range of the good shit. Unfortunately you cannot request that you want 20 pieces, they are rigid with menu listings/"requests". Still hungry? Anticipate what you need and put all your nigiri orders quickly at once. - while you are waiting for your order of sushi, get some appetizers. Dude, we are in fecking Monterey Peninsula! If they have stuff like fried sardines (iwashi furai), Monterey squid (fried or ika furai) get them! Perfect pairing with sake or beer. And they are done legit as hell. Local ingredients with Japanese culinary craft applied, is the best way to enjoy. Oh...asari no sakamushi, steamed clams in sake...one of the best renditions I've had to date. Fat juicy plump succulent (and other douchebag Food Network adjectives) clams. - if you are lucky, behind the chef is a fish tank. If there are live Monterey prawns / ama ebi inside, pony up the $10 and get it, order extra even if it comes in your 14 piece nigiri combo. Fresh raw prawn has a natural sweetness and bounce/light crunch. The crap pre-frozen stuff is mushy, freezer burn that turns the translucent flesh white. - chef briefly marinates Bluefin tuna (akami) in soy sauce (shoyu zuke), which adds more umami. Don't drown in wasabi/soy sauce. - The restaurant frequently gets visited by local regulars, and they may get better treatment than you, no matter how knowledgeable you are in the Dark Side. Get used to it. Or if you like this place enough to return, build up a relationship, things will get better. - if the chef likes you and includes aji (horse mackerel) in the nigiri combo (or a la carte) you might get the fried skeleton as a side. It's awesome. - Ask for an order of the chef's tamagoyaki (no rice) たまご焼き. It looks ordinary, but the restaurant's name 赤鬼 is stamped on it and is quite excellent. Only other place I recall seeing stamped tamagoyaki is Sushi Tomi (Mountain View) and maybe Tomi Sushi (San Jose). It's a symbol of pride. The flavor is more well balanced, juicy (despite the cooled temperature), with just a faint hint of sweetness. Closer to a dashimaki style in taste, but not quite. Follow these, and you will enjoy it here. read more

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People who know sushi know this is an outstanding sushi place. Ignore the petty whining from other Yelpers about service. Go for the sushi, and your pallet will be rewarded. read more

I gave this place 2 stars because the sushi chef is so rude!! He got angry at us because we were seated at the sushi bar and didn't realise that hot foods (like udon noodles) couldn't be ordered. There is no sign, so not sure how I was supposed to know that. The other server was very apologetic after this happened but it was disappointing to see that kind of attitude. He also scowled when some other guests started laughing louder than normal.. Dude, chill out! You're in Carmel, one of the prettiest places in the World. I hope he read this and turns that frown upside down. read more

Akaoni - The Chef, must've caught him on a bad day because he was grumpy - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

Last Night's Dinner * CA Roll with Dungeness Crab * Monterey Spot Prawns Sashimi Style (MY FAVE) * Fried Heads !!! from Spot Prawns (MY 2nd FAVE) * Asari no Bata aka Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter *Teba Shioyaki aka Grilled Chciken Wings Lightly Salted *Karei no Shioyaki aka Sole - Grilled and Lightly Salted (I heart karaage style too) *Edamame to start & Homemade Agedashi Tofu too! 3 Large Bottle of Japanese Beiru (my Mom drank them) Glass of Pinot (for her) And I stick to my usual sake - Otokoyama served chilled Always a 5 star experience! read more

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You will not find too many sushi restaurants in Carmel, and this one isn't bad considering the short list of choices you have in the way of Japanese cuisine. It's a small restaurant. Some would call it "cozy." I call it slightly claustrophobic. But the ambiance is nice and the people are friendly. If you're dying for sushi, and don't want to drive outside of your quaint little vacation spot, this is your place! read more

Akaoni - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

This is for sure the BEST sushi in Carmel! We sat at the sushi bar and the chef was very friendly when we came in. Two other staff were also very friendly and prompt. We started with the homemade tofu dish- wow! This was soft as a cloud and the sauce with it was very tasty. We ordered shrimp tempura roll which was one of best rolls I've had. Next was sushi: wild salmon sushi, hamachi, halibut, snapper. The fish was extremely fresh and oh so soft. The slices are cut to perfection and there was not too much rice. Also tried the hamachi roll- which was basic roll but still good. We ended with a vanilla mochi ice cream and it was delicious and refreshing. This is a small place with only a few tables and small sushi bar- but we love that about this place. So personal- and attentive service. Just make sure to make a reservation due to the size of the place. read more

Akaoni - Homemade tofu dish - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

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Even though we only got pandemic takeout here, this was still some of the best sushi we've had in CA. It says a lot when even without the sit-down experience, the food was superb! Everything was fresh and flavorful. I was a little concerned that they had 3.5 stars, and would normally not want to risk it with sushi. But after seeing that all the bad reviews were complaints about making reservations, or Karen whining about rude staff, I gave it a try and it was amazing! read more

Despite the negative reviews, I still decided to come here for an anniversary dinner. Therefore, I made a reservation and was seated immediately when I arrived. The place is really small but neat. We ordered their homemade tofu, 14 pcs nigri selection, uni, abalone sashimi and tempura. Everything blew me out of the water as it was amazing. Probably one of the freshest sashimi I have had in California and the chefs knife skills were on point. Writing this review have me salivating to try other menu items I didn't get to try. Needless to say, I will be returning sometime soon. My only complaint is the rice wasn't packed tight enough and lacked a bit of vinegar for my taste. This place will not disappoint if you want a taste of traditional and fresh japanese sashimi. OISHI!!! read more

Akaoni - 12pcs nigri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

Sometimes great things do come in small things packages! Akaoni is a small restaurant that delivers a big punch! It is the stuff that Michelin star legends are made of, go there for dinner and be ready for IKEA furniture simplicity and of course an amazing meal experience. Sure order things from the white board that list the daily specials BUT if you ignore the usual menu from the printed menu like the home made tofu with special sauce, fried soft shell crab, yozu glazed black cod then you will be the loser. The simplicity of the place yet it's amazing flavors will keep you coming back, they don't have any fancy reservations systems so call and book your place in advance. read more

Lovely evening quietly celebrating my birthday. Exceptional sashimi. Fresh. Buttery and smooth. He is a master. Heard him telling the bar customers about the wasabi being real from Japan. The soy sauce was special too. Would.have loved to know why. Silky homemade tofu in special sauce was heavenly. Lived in Kyoto for 2 years. Tokyo for 1. Felt like I was there again. Waitress was sweet but felt like she was worried we couldn't afford to pay. She gave that impression. She never offered to explain what was on our Jyo and Nami Sashimi plates. I would have liked to ask her questions but felt she wasn't interested in being asked. No one else in restaurant at time. Spent only $80 because of that. I will return for another visit but will ask to be seated at the bar when I call in reservation. Truly a fantastic sashimi experience. Still gave 5 stars because of the food. read more

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This is the finest, authentic sushi on the Peninsula by far! I'm still reeling from tonight's sensational dinner! You can't get more fresh than Akaoni, where fish is imported straight from Japan. The menu (written in English and Japanese) boasts some of the most succulent designer sushi around town. We ordered the Chef Sashimi Plate (14 pieces), which was phenomenal! This deluxe plate showcases 14 pieces of some of the freshest and finest fish (sake, ebi, maguro, uni, hamachi, sweet ebi and so much more). I absolutely loved every piece; each imparting a distinct, endorphin rush. Every piece was crafted with precision and care by the master sushi chef. With rapt attention, I watched as he sculpted his edible masterpieces with patience and flawless execution. The Yellowtail Sashimi Appetizer Plate (6 pieces) and the Soft-shelled Crab Roll were absolutely delicious! Premium-grade yellowtail in it's most elemental form. Perfection! The soft-shelled crab roll was a true delicacy. Lightly fried crispy outside and a soft center rolled with avocado and cucumber. Easy on the eyes too! What an absolute Japanese gem in the heart of downtown Carmel. Akaoni is where you need to go for the true Japanese experience. read more

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Best Japanese food you can get around Monterey area, period. Try anything other than the standard sushi, sashimi and tempura, you'll be amazed. Staff are not the most enthusiastic, sure (the Japanese lady is a bit stern), but I don't mind that at all. read more

Akaoni's is soooooooo tasty! We ordered the fried monterey squid, homemade tofu, 14 piece sushi, blue fin tuna sashimi and a cooked red snapper fish head (the last was her choice...I don't really like my food staring at me...hehe, although the cheek was very tasty). ALL of it was so delicious! It is probably the best tasting sushi in the area for sure! I am not a big tofu lover, but the homemade tofu here at Akaoni's was unlike any tofu I have ever tried and I would definitely order it again next time. The restaurant was a little hard to find at first because there was no sign out front, but I recognized the outside from a picture I had seen...thanks to our favorite website - yelp! It is a very small restaurant, with a sushi bar and a few tables and another small counter near the front window which is where we sat. I suggest you make reservations if you want to guarantee yourself seating, as they seemed to be very busy....and for good reason. It was a Friday night when we went and we squeaked in next to another couple at the window counter who were about ready to leave. We struck up a conversation and they told us that they were restaurant owner's in Carmel, and they always come to Akaoni's for sushi as it is the best and always so fresh. They had some interesting looking dishes including a caramelized eggplant dish that I will need to try next time. Akaoni's is so good they don't even need a sign! Now that is a sign of a restaurant with confidence! read more

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Food is great service is ok honestly the food is amazing and comes out quickly but the waiters and not as nice as a normal restaurant waiter would be read more

Akaoni - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

-5 stars very rude very unwelcoming. We we ignored when entered the very small (capacity of 20 at best) restaurant. When we asked to make a reservation we were immediately told No and were laughed at by local patrons. This happened to us two years in a row. You can try calling to make a reservation, but they don't answer the phone. If your eating inside you will not hear the phone ring either. Its like a library in there. This is a whisper only environment. Due to being treated so poorly, that was our last attempt to eat here. We will find another Sushi bar to support. read more

This is the best traditional sushi place on the peninsula and probably SF as well. The Chef is quiet, reserved and extremely focused on putting the best possible product on his plates. If you are looking for a place where you are greeted loudly and saki bombs are encouraged, keep walking because you will not find any mayo covered trash fish here. I have been going here for over five years now and every time is special, so leave the kids at home and make this an intimate date night where UNI is the best form of dessert. Thank you Chef for your hard work and dedication to your craft. IMG_0022.jpg read more

Akaoni - Sashimi toku jo (not sure if that is correct spelling) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

Visited this place for our pre-Valentine day on FB 13. At first, we went all the way from SF to Big Sur for our camping on last weekend. And then we decided to celebrate our special time at this restaurant cuz this place wasn't far from the campground we were about 30 mins driving. Before we visited, we did reservation a week ahead cuz we heard it wasn't easy to walk-in to this place. When we there, we were a bit early for our appointment we tried if we could get a seat before our time but No.., so we hung out other place for a drink then we back here again...Sounds too much to get in but I would say it was well worth effort it. Our Chef's sashimi selection was awesome, fresh and really tasty. Sushi rolls was great. My sake drink was good and i enjoyed it. If you like saba, order it, this place has well balanced. I had never tasted any places that as good as this one. Friendly service. In the end, I understand why people love this restaurant. Highly recommended. read more

Akaoni - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

Hated this place before and they are much much better now. The server was very nice and the food was also good and very fresh. It's not your typical sushi place and will not have rolls as you're used to, but then again that's often times a good thing. Should note however, that the atmosphere is very dull. Although it's still not the best place in town, it is very good and authentic and is a "recommend" for sure. read more

Akaoni - Getting our Orchid on @ Akaoni - Sushi Bars Near Me - Carmel, California

I've gotten lucky twice! Within 10 years too!! The restaurant only fits 25 people at a time, so be aware. They routinely turn people away because of this. Make reservations if you have a party larger than 2. This is the real deal people. This is authentically and artistically designed japanese sushi and it's not Americanized in any way. There are no ridiculous sports/state themed maki rolls, no ridiculous oversized portions--it's kaizen. When it comes to nigiri, the fish to rice ratio is 3.14:1.61-- naturally perfect. He uses many super high quality japanese imports like Tsukiji toro and blue fin tuna, Hokkaido uni and surf clam, and others that I unintentionally forgot. His unagi is to die for. So is the soft shell blue crab which he keeps live in the tank behind him. And I don't even like crab. Conversely, the maguro seems like locally acquired sub zero freeze-transported tuna. You can buy this kind of tuna at your local asian fish market and it kind of tastes like water if you know what I mean (very bland; tuna texture only). But I highly recommend his marina clam miso soup; very tasty and excellent mix of appetite piquing salt and savory. Inspiring. I've sat at the bar and at tables, and since the wait staff doesn't speak much english beyond menu items and conversational pleasantries, the bar is where you want to be. He may seem stone cold silent, but he's there to give you what you want. It's Omakase after all. Everyone working there is just a helper. He's the genius. Nuff said. read more

Went here with my family. We are locals and we're looking for a new sushi place. The waitress was very rude and pushy and the place seemed like it needed a good cleaning. As for portions, they were very small and at an expensive price. Never will return! read more

Best sushi locally by leaps and bound. Closest to the real deal. Service ok. Ambiance good.

Have been here a few times and I have to say the food is very good...when in season, the live uni is a must try. Another staple is the house made tofu, Saba bento, and fish head. Usually we call to make reservations, as this place is tiny. The chef (owner) and his wife are not the friendliest, in fact that is only why I am giving them three stars. Maybe because they know they are usually packed with customers, they don't need to try that hard...but still for the price we pay on food and drinks here, one would hope they would crack a smile more than just once during the meal. Anyway, this is an outstanding sushi place if you don't mind the cold service. read more

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My favorite place to grab sashimi in town! They have some of the freshest fish in town and its flown in from Japan. The Toro is fantastic and will melt in your mouth. The Aji aka Spanish Mackerel is the best in town. I also love the Ankimo, Uni, the abalone sashimi, live scallop and the house made tofu. Best Japanese place in Carmel! read more

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